Centrifugal switch



Jan. 4, 1949i J. W. BUSACKER CENTRIFUGAL SWITCH Filed sept. 17, 1943 BATTE RY 7 CIRCUIT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY Patented .Fant 4, 1949 Ui'i'El John W. Busacker, Houston, Tex., assignortofthe4 I f n I f UnitedStates of America as represented by the 1 L Secretary of the NavyApplication September 17, 1943, SerialY No. 502,831

1 Claim.

This invention relates generally to safety devices and more particularlyto an improved centrifugal switch.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide acentrifugal switch of this character which utilizes the power ofcentrifugal force for closing one or more electric circuits.

Another object oi the invention is to provide a centrifugal switchwhich, is of simple construction, and is highly efficient in use.

Further objects of the invention will appear hereinafter.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a perspective View of one form of the switch showing itsconnections in the circuits oi an electric system represented by awiring diagram oi an amplifier;

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view of this switch,

Figure 3 is a side elevation, portions being shown in dotted lines;

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail sectional View showing one of the Contactplungers employed, the spring therefor being shown in full lines;

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional View showing a modied embodiment, and

Figure 6 is a phantom elevation of the embodiment of the Figure 5.

Referring first to the embodiment shown in Figures l to 4, the numeral Iindicates generally the body of the device which is of circular shapeand of proper size and thickness to permit its convenient insertion inthe can of a radio promixity fuze. Formed in the body I is an axialopening 2 and extending from the axial opening, on equal spaced radiithroughout the circumference, are chambers 3, f3 and 5. Each of saidchambers `communicates with a recess 6 at its outer end, said recesscarrying a Contact jaw or tubular receptacle I which may be the wellknown cinch contact.

Mounted in the chambers 3, Il and 5, near their corresponding innerends, are anchor pins 8, 9 and I o, the purpose of which will bedescribed in more detail hereinafter. Mounted for sliding movement inthe chambers 3, t and 5 are, re spectively, contact plungers II, I2 andI3, which are, as best seen in Figure 4, in the form of copper cups S4.Connected between the anchor pins 8, 9 and ID and the cups il, I2 and I3are coil springs Ill, one of which is shown in Figure 4. As will beseen, the coil springs are normally contained within the cup, theirlower ends being soldered or otherwise suitably secured to the lower endends of the cup. The upper portion of the springs terminate in linearend portions I5 which are suitably secured to their associated anchorpins.

In use, connections are made from the several circuits as desired to thepins 8, 9 and III and to the jaws 1. In the arrangement shown, threeelectric circuits may be controlled. However, by the use of a greater orlesser number of plungers and associated jaws, a larger or smallernumber of circuits may be controlled.

In operation, when the projectile is at rest, the springs I 4 willretain the plungers II, I2 and I3 out of engagement with theirassociated jaws 'I. When the projectile is fired, however, centrifugalforce, set up by rotation of the shell, will shift the plungersoutwardly, against the tension of the springs I4 into engagement withthe jaws 'I for closing the electric circuits.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the body isshown at I5. As best seen in Figure 5, the body has three substantiallydiametrally disposed chambers I6, I'I and I8, which chambers aredisposed in Vertically spaced relation. Each of the chambers terminatesat its outer end in a recess I9 and iitted in the recess are contactmembers 20 which are formed of soft lead, or some other relatively softmetal.

Positioned near the corresponding inner ends of the chambers I6, I'I andI 8 are anchor pins 2! 22 and 23.

Mounted in the enlarged portion of the cham-v bers, which enlargedportions are best seen in Figure 5 at Iia, I 'Ia and I 8a, are contactplungers 24, 25 and 26. Each of the contact plungers is formed, at itsouter end, with a contact point or nib 27. The plungers are `connectedwith their associated anchor pins by coil springs 28.

In operation, when the shell is rotated, centrifugal force will shiftthe plungers outwardly, against the tension of the springs, for engagingthe contact points in their associated contact members 2U. Thus, threeelectric circuits will be closed. As in the iirst described embodimentof the invention, a greater or lesser number of chambers, plungers,springs and anchor pins may be employed.

It is thought that the construction and operation of both of theembodiments of the inven-V tion will now be understood.

What is claimed is:

A centrifugal switch including a dat-sided circular body to be mountedwith its axis parallel to an axis of rotation, said body having aplurality of bores disposed at angles with respect to each other andextending substantially diametrically, said bores being in differenthorizontal planes and having outer ends communieating with the outersurface of the body, fixed contacts of soft metallic material carried inthe outer end portions of said bores, said bores being `enlargedthroughout substantially half their respective lengths, plungersmovablycarried in thepienlarged portions of said bores and havingnib's', and restraining springs connected between the correspondinginner ends off'the bores and the plungers,v said plungers being movableby centrifugal force against the tension of said springs for engagingsaid nibs in said xed con- 15 tacts upon rotation of the body.

JOHN W. BUSACKER..

Cit

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the nie ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 860,987 Eastham July 23, 19071,032,471 Downer July 16, 1912 1,075,987 McMahon Oct. 14, 1913 1,122,332Sullivan Dec. 29, 1914 2,324,169 Moran July 13, 1943 FOREIGN PATENTSNumber Country Date 156,526 Great Britain Feb. 23, 1922

